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1.1 Introduction In last year’s Social Justice and Native Title Report, I raised concerns about the changes resulting from the 2014-15 Budget and the restructure to Indigenous Affairs through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS). Despite initial concerns about how these changes would impact our communities, I indicated that the streamlining of programs and the move away from a ‘one size…

5.1 Introduction The significant role of business to respect and support our human rights is increasingly being recognised. Although the protection of human rights remains the responsibility of government, business is realising that human rights are both relevant and fundamental to their operations. In many of the conversations I have had with business and community leaders across the…

Homelessness is a Human Rights Issue (2008) Download Word (60 kb) Contents 1. Homelessness is about human rights 2. What is homelessness? 3. What are some of the causes of homelessness? 4. How many people are affected by homelessness? 5. Who is affected by homelessness? 5.1 Indigenous people are disproportionately affected by homelessness 5.2 Women are significantly affected by homelessness…

3.1 Introduction In chapters 1 and 2, I look back over the past 20 years that the Social Justice Commissioner position has been in place and think about the journey and our learning over this time. In this chapter, I want to explore how those lessons can take us forward to chart a confident course into the future and how the realisation of our rights can produce long term sustainable…

3.1 Equality before the law and non-discrimination A prominent theme throughout Australia’s UPR was the unacceptable level of disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, with 50 of the countries that spoke during the interactive dialogue referring to issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. [15] Since its appearance the Australian…

Mick Gooda Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner There have been many issues confronting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in 2013-14, such as the over-representation of our people in the criminal justice and child protection systems, the future of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples and constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and…

2.1 Scope of international obligations 2.2 National framework 2.3 Equality before the law and non-discrimination 2.4 Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers 2.5 Right to life, liberty and security of the person 2.1 Scope of international obligations Australia prides itself on its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and has announced its candidacy for election to the…

Social Justice Report 2010 Back to Contents Introduction Recommendations Introduction It is with great pleasure that I present my first Social Justice Report (the Report) as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, having commenced my five-year term on 1 February 2010. I write this Report as a Gangulu man from Central Queensland with over 25 years of experience …

2.1 Scope of international obligations During Australia’s review, the Government made a commitment to improving Australia’s monitoring of its international human rights obligations. Australia is a party to seven of the core human rights treaties and maintains a number of reservations under these. The Australian Government made a commitment to conduct a comprehensive review of such…

Social Justice Report 2010 Back to Contents Chapter 1: Towards a reconciled Australia: An agenda of hope 1.1 Introduciton 1.2 Human rights: the overarching framework 1.3 Addressing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander disadvantage by rebuilding relationships 1.4 Conclusion 1.1 Introduction My son, your eyes search mine Hurt and puzzled by colour line Your black skin as soft as velvet shine…